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The organization
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the University of Amsterdam is located in the center of the Amsterdam Science Park. The IoP – as part of the Faculty of Science – is housed in a modern building with excellent labs and technical facilities. Surrounded by several national research institutes and with our partners at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, the institute is part of a strong physics center of international standing.
The faculty members working on theoretical particle physics at the Institute of Physics of the University of Amsterdam are Eric Laenen (Phenomenology of the Standard Model, especially Quantum Chromodynamics), Jordy de Vries (Beyond-the-Standard Model, effective field theories, fundamental symmetries, neutrinos) and Wouter Waalewijn (Higgs and jet physics, effective field theories, factorization and resummation).
The Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) covers many other areas and there is a large research group working on gravitation and astroparticle physics: the GRAPPA institute. Naturally there are strong links with Nikhef, which is the national laboratory for particle and astroparticle physics research), and is across the street from the University of Amsterdam. Nikhef has both theory and experimental groups (including ATLAS, LHCb, ALICE, Xenon, and NL-eEDM), and there are many opportunities to interact. The research of the Nikhef theory group include higher-order calculations and jet physics in perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics, parton distribution functions, flavour and neutrino physics, effective field theories, precision tests of the Standard Model, cosmology and gravitational waves.
The position
We are seeking a PhD candidate under the supervision of Jordy de Vries who focusses on precision calculation for low energy searches for beyond the Standard Model physics.
This is what you will do
You will investigate the role of radiative corrections in beta-decay processes, new methods to better understand neutrinofull and neutrinoless double beta decay, and a novel theoretical framework for electric dipole moments. The project is part of an ERC grant and will be team-based and collaboration with other group members is expected. You will have the opportunity to (co-)supervise Bachelor and Master students.
What we ask of you
- We are looking for someone with a MSc degree (or close to obtaining one) in theoretical (particle) physics;
- an interest in precision calculations for precision experiments in particle physics;
- You are a collaborative researcher who is interested in helping the supervision of Bachelor and Master students;
- You have a professional command of spoken and written English;
It is a preference if you additionally have experience in quantum field theory and effective field theory.
This is what we offer you
We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (Scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
The preferred starting date September 1, 2026. This employment should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
Your application & contact
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application via this Link. Applications are accepted exclusively through the template below. We accept applications until and including April 3, 2026. Applications submitted by email or through other portals will NOT be considered.
If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Jordy de Vries, Associate Professor, j.devries4@uva.nl
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a letter of motivation;
- a brief research statement (2 pages max)
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
The UvA attaches great importance to the contribution of female scientists in research and education. We particularly encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement.